History Supplement of the Alberta Women's Institutes

              HISTORY SUPPLEMENT OF THE ALBERTA WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
work they had done throughout the years for the mentally ill with
special mention for their participation in the " Light Up For Mental
Health" candle sale.
Mrs. Morrisroe presented the annual award of $ 50.00 at the Olds
College Graduation ceremonies to the student most proficient in the
Secretarial Arts. A similar award is presented annually to each of
the Colleges at Vermilion and Fairview.
She was guest speaker at the annual Girl's Club Conventions at
Olds and commends the dedicated leaders and supervisors for the
instruction they give the girls in sewing, handicraft, creative writ­ing
and public speaking.
She feels it most important that a President endeavors to attend
as many Constituency Conferences as possible. Besides being an
enjoyable experience it gives her an opportunity to meet the mem­bers
and to learn what is being done in the various areas.
The highlights during her term of office were the $ 25,000.00
Grant received from the Provincial Government and the establish­ment
of a Provincial Office. In January 1975 the Executive accom­panied
by Mrs. J. Bielish interviewed Dr. H. Horner, Minister of
Agriculture to request a Grant to assist our Organization with its
educational programs. In March 1975 word was received that a
Grant of $ 25,000.00 was given to A. W. I. The Government announce­ment
stated the major purpose of the Grant was to assist in further
developing the Leadership this pioneer organization exerts through
its two hundred Branches and three thousand members. It stated
that the correspondence program in Nutrition currently featured by
A. W. I, emphasizes a priority item of the Government. The Grant was
given in recognition of the dedication of A. W. I, to the women and
families of rural Alberta and is a mark of confidence in their ability
to use leadership and innovation to develop better ways to organize
and involve rural families in planning their fu* nre.
In April 1975 it was a momentous occasion when the five year
lease for the Provincial Office was signed by Mrs. J. Morrisroe,
President and Mrs. G. McMillan, Secretary Treasurer of A. W. I. Of­fice
space was acquired at # 201 7203 - 101 Avenue, Edmonton at a
monthly rental of $ 250.00 to include rent, heat and one stall for
parking. A. W. I, pays the telephone, electricity and janitor service.
A. W. I, is indebted to Mr. and Mrs. G. McMillan for their many hours
of work in readying the office for occupancy. Mrs. Ruby Ritchie, the
new Secretary Treasurer was to commence duties August 1st, 1975
at a salary of $ 450.00 with a car allowance of $ 25.00. Office hours
were to be from 9: 00 a. m. to 12: 00 and 1: 00 p. m. to 4: 00 p. m. on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays will be kept
for meetings if necessary.
A. W. I, seraiette were ordered and are available for special In­stitute
functions. Special Anniversary Certificates were made up for
Branches celebrating their 25th and 60th Anniversaries. Memorial
Cards are also available.
Branches celebrating their 50th Anniversaries included: Lone
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